Page 127 of Property of Yak

“She said give her the cards. I don’t know how many times I tell you knuckleheads: if my woman wants it, she gets it. You fucked up, own up to it.” Then Yak looks at me. “I’ll pay the jar later.”

I shake my head. “Go to your stupid meeting. Poutine and I are going to play two-handed Euchre.”

Sap pouts but gets up and leaves.

Yak gets up and comes around the table, planting a kiss on me that causes many of the men to catcall. When he pulls away, there’s lightness in his eyes.

“I love you, Angel.”

I smile. “I love you too.”

After he walks away, I turn to Poutine. “Okay, I’m going to teach you how to play until you can beat him because I am tired of his whining. You ready?”

Poutine’s eyes light up. “Yes. Where do we start?”

Yak

Standing at the end of the table, I take in the committee my brother has surrounding him. Yukon to his left, the sergeant at arms who will protect him at all costs. Goose is next to him, all humor from earlier gone as he settles into his role as road captain. Keener, Sauga, Canuck, Hoser, Wolverine, and Predator all make sense. They all play a role on the committee. Sap and I aren’t, though. We are just members.

“What’s going on?” I ask, my eyes meeting Yooper’s.

I keep my eyes off the empty seat to his right. It’s where Aragon sat. His vice president who betrayed the entire club.

Yooper gives me a “shut up” look. I’m not known for my patience, though.

“This meeting is in session. It’s been a little over two months now. Things are settling. There is a gap, though. We have a void to fill. The VP chair cannot remain empty. Would anyone like to nominate a suitable replacement?” Yooper asks.

“I nominate Yak,” Predator says, his eyes meeting mine.

I’m shocked how quickly he spoke up. Yooper barely finished speaking before he spoke up.

“I’ll second him,” Goose adds.

I nod to them both, unsure how I feel about this development. I never wanted a title. I am happy being a member.

“Does anyone have anyone else they would like to nominate?”

When no one speaks, Yooper holds up his gavel. “All for Yak being VP say ‘aye.’”

A chorus sings out.

“Anyone against it say ‘nay.’”

No one speaks up.

“The ‘ayes’ have it with a unanimous vote. Yak is our new VP.” He slams the gavel down.

Sap pats my shoulder. He’s become a close friend since everything went down. I’m glad he is standing here with me right now.

“Yak, come take your seat.” Yooper nods to the empty seat.

It feels monumental as I make my way toward the empty chair. When I finally sit and look out, it feels right. It feels like fate. That damn bitch seems to have done it again.

“Onto the next order of business. Wolverine has a request,” Yooper says.

We all look to Wolverine. He looks nervous.

“I know you know I wasn’t in on it with Aragon, but I still trusted him. Believed him. The guilt is eating me up inside. Being here, it isn’t good for my mental health. I would like to request a transfer to the Forbach chapter. I feel like I need a fresh start.” He looks down at his hands.